In North America, the shift from summer to fall is hard to miss...shorter days, cooler nights, and those first signs of frost in the morning air. Pumpkins appear on porches (and pumpkin flavor in our coffee, treats, and desserts), leaves start to crunch underfoot, and we begin reaching for heavier blankets and warmer clothing. It’s a season of transition, and not just for us - our homes and properties need a little preparation for the changes, too.
The change from warm summer days to crisp fall weather is the perfect reminder that now’s the time to get your home and property ready for what’s ahead. A few small steps now can save you time, money, and stress once the real cold, rain, and wind roll in. Here are a few quick tasks to get started:
- Seal gaps in the garage, basement, or attic where critters might try to sneak in
- Service snow blowers or have shovels, ice melt, and winter gear ready before the first storm
- Check outdoor lighting around walkways and driveways for safety on darker evenings
- Stock up on pantry staples and shelf-stable essentials in case of a winter storm
- Clean and store patio furniture, umbrellas, and grills before snow or ice arrives
- Organize your entryway with mats, boot trays, and hooks to handle the extra mud and slush
Download our complete checklist below for a full list of tasks and ideas to weatherproof your home for the incoming seasons.
FALL AND WINTER WEATHERPROOFING CHECKLIST
TEMPEST FEATURE: INTEGRATIONS AND API
Learn more about Tempest integrations and our open API >>>
TEMPEST AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS HANSEN TECH
We love seeing how Tempest fits into everyday smart home setups. Ambassador Chris Hansen recently wrote a detailed article about using Tempest with Home Assistant, and his approach makes weather automation both simple and powerful. Read his article here >>>
Chris is the creator of ChrisHansenTech, where smart home innovation and practical automation meet. A Tech Lead in North Dakota, he spends his days guiding software teams and his early mornings writing about Home Assistant, leadership, and Stoic philosophy. As a dad and lifelong tinkerer, Chris brings both real-world experience and a grounded perspective to helping readers make technology work smarter at home and beyond.
OTHER WEATHER NEWS
PEAK FALL FOILAGE FOR 2025
The Farmers’ Almanac has released its annual guide to when fall colors will peak across the United States. Northern states and higher elevations were expected to see their brightest reds and golds first, starting back in late September. Much of the rest of the country will hit peak color through mid-October, while southern regions may need to wait until later in the season.
LESSONS FROM AN ENERGY PRODUCING HOUSE
In Hermosa Beach, California, a new house is showing what the future of home design might look like. Built to produce more energy than it uses, the house combines solar power, battery storage, and highly efficient systems. Early results from the home show it can slash utility bills and even give energy back to the grid.
EXTREME HEAT CAN MAKE YOU AGE FASTER
Scientists are learning that heat waves don’t just make us uncomfortable in the moment, they can actually speed up how our bodies age. Cells and organs under stress from high temperatures show signs of wear similar to smoking or heavy drinking. These effects may pile up over time, especially in areas facing frequent extreme heat. The findings raise big questions about how a warming climate will affect long-term health.
EARTHQUAKES RELEASE MOST OF THEIR ENERGY AS HEAT
When an earthquake strikes, it feels like all the energy goes into shaking the ground, but new research shows otherwise. Up to 98 percent of that energy is released as heat deep underground where rocks grind against each other. That heat can be intense enough to melt minerals and change the structure of fault zones. These discoveries could reshape how scientists study earthquakes and measure their true power.
HOW LAKE TURNOVER SHAPES FALL FISHING
As the weather cools, lakes go through a process called turnover where surface water sinks and mixes with deeper layers. This movement redistributes oxygen and nutrients, creating a big change in fish behavior. Anglers often notice fish scatter or head to new depths during this time. Understanding when turnover happens can make the difference between an empty cooler and a successful fall outing.
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